Top.



J. R. MYERS.

TOP. 1

APPLICATION FILED DEC. 22, 1910.

999,839, Patented Aug. 8,1911.

7 awue/wto'o wi bnwoeo j w fi liye 3 saw MWWMW Ukkx attomu JAMES R. MYERS, OF FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA.

TOP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 8, 1911.

Application filed December 22, 1910. Serial No. 598,799.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES R. MYERs, a citizen of the United States, residing at F airmont, in the county of Marion and State of Vest Virginia, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tops, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to tops and particularly to such a device adapted to produce a new and beautiful color effect.

My improved top is formed of a transparent material having a high refractive index, such material being provided with color stripes, so arranged that when the top is spun, the entire top appears as a tint of the color or colors of the stripes. This effect is caused by the high index of refraction of the material. The material of the top also reflects rays of light which causes the top to sparkle and hence increases its beauty.

An important object of this invention is to provide a top of the above character, which is interesting, to observe in operation on account of the novel color effect, and which is easy to operate, and cheap to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the courseof the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same, Figure 1 is a side view of the top, Fig. 2 is a central vertical sectional view, taken through the same, and Fig. 3 is a plan view of the top.

In the drawings, wherein is illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, a top is shown as comprising a circular disk 1, which is formed of a transparent material. The transparent material preferably employed is flint glass, owing to the high refractive index of such material. The circular disk 1 is molded with a depending tubular spindle 2, such spindle tapering to a point 3, as shown. The spindle 2 has an axial opening 4., which is adapted for the detachable reception of a handle or holder 5, which in turn is preferably circular in cross-section and decreases in diameter downwardly. The disk 1 has preferably molded upon its upper surface and adjacent its periphery, an annular upstanding flange 6, as shown. The numeral 7 designates a section of cord or the like, which is detachably connected with the spindle 2, by being wound thereabout, aS shown. Upon the upper surface of the disk 1 are painted or otherwise placed thereon concentric translucent color circles 8, 9 and 10, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. These translucent color circles may be magenta, red or in fact, any arbitrary color. These color circles may all be the same color, or they may be of different colors.

In the use of the top, the cord 7 is wound about the spindle 2 and the holder 5 inserted within such spindle, as shown. By placing the point 3 of the spindle on a suitable foundation and pulling the cord in the usual manner, the top is set in rotation, the handle being then removed. When the top is thus rapidly rotating, all parts of the same appear as a tint of the color stripes, even the spindle is tinted. The effect is very interesting and beautiful. I have found that fair results may be obtained by using ordinary glass. while the best results are obtained by employing flint glass.

I wish it understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that certain changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1. As an article of manufacture, a top formed of a transparent material having a high refractive index and provided exteriorly with translucent color rings.

2. A top of the character described, comprising a disk formed of a transparent material having a high refractive index, and

in presence of tWo Witnesses.

JAMES R. MYERS.

concentric translucent color circles placed upon the upper surface of said disk.

3. A top of the character described, comprising a disk and tubular spindle molded integrally and formed of glass, said disk being provided upon its upper surface with translucent color circles, means for insertion Within said spindle to hold the top in proper Witnesses:

J. P. KIRBY, ROBERT SUTOR.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C. 

